St. Petersburg Marriage License

St. Petersburg marriage license records fall under the Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court. St. Petersburg is the largest city in Pinellas County with over 267,000 people. While the main clerk's office sits in Clearwater, the county seat, residents of St. Petersburg use the same office for all marriage license applications. The Pinellas County Clerk handles new licenses, records filed copies, and assists couples with questions about the process. This guide walks through everything St. Petersburg residents need to know about getting a marriage license.

Pinellas County Handles St. Petersburg Marriage Licenses

St. Petersburg is in Pinellas County. The Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court issues all marriage licenses for the county, including St. Petersburg. Under Florida Statute 741.01, the clerk of the circuit court is the sole authority for issuing marriage licenses in Florida. Every couple in St. Petersburg must go through this office.

The county seat is Clearwater, which is where the main clerk's office is located. St. Petersburg residents drive to Clearwater for marriage license services unless the clerk has a branch location closer to home. A license from Pinellas County lets you get married anywhere in the state. So even though you apply in Clearwater, you can hold the wedding right in St. Petersburg or in any other Florida city.

For the full county guide, visit the Pinellas County marriage license page.

The Pinellas Clerk's marriage license page has the most current details on office hours, locations, and what to bring when you apply for a license from St. Petersburg.

Marriage License Office for St. Petersburg

The main Pinellas County Clerk office is at the courthouse in Clearwater. Both people must show up in person at the same time. Walk-ins are accepted. The office processes marriage licenses during regular business hours. Call ahead to confirm current hours before you make the trip from St. Petersburg.

The drive from St. Petersburg to the Clearwater courthouse takes about 25 to 35 minutes depending on traffic. Plan your visit during the morning to avoid afternoon crowds. The clerk's staff will walk you through each step once you get there.

Note: Check the Pinellas Clerk website for any branch locations that may be closer to St. Petersburg residents.

How to Apply for a Marriage License in St. Petersburg

Both people must go to the Pinellas County Clerk in person. No one can apply on behalf of someone else. Bring a valid photo ID like a driver's license, state ID, or passport. You need your Social Security number. The card is not needed. Under Florida Statute 741.04, both people must be at least 18 years old.

If either person was married before, you must have the exact date that marriage ended. The clerk asks if it ended by divorce, death, or annulment. The state and county of the divorce are also part of the form. Read the Family Law Handbook from the Florida Bar before you go. The clerk in Pinellas County will ask if you have reviewed it.

The Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers website has a full list of what is needed for a marriage license in any Florida county. St. Petersburg couples should review this before their visit to the Clearwater courthouse to make sure they have everything ready.

St. Petersburg Marriage License Fees

The marriage license fee in Pinellas County is $86. This applies to all St. Petersburg residents. If both people take a four-hour premarital preparation course, the fee drops to $61. Florida Statute 741.0305 allows this $25 discount. You must bring the original course certificate to the clerk's office.

Part of the $86 fee goes to the Domestic Violence Trust Fund. Another portion goes to the State Courts Revenue Trust Fund. These are state-level allocations that apply in Pinellas County and every other Florida county. Certified copies of filed marriage licenses cost about $3 each from the clerk's office.

Marriage License Wait Period in St. Petersburg

Florida residents face a three-day waiting period after applying for a marriage license. This means St. Petersburg couples must wait three days before the license becomes valid. Florida Statute 741.04 sets this rule for every county in the state.

Want to skip the wait? Take a four-hour premarital course before you apply. Both people must finish it. Bring the original certificates from a registered provider. The license is valid the same day, and the cost goes from $86 to $61. Out-of-state couples do not wait at all. This is especially useful for visitors to St. Petersburg who plan a beach wedding during their trip.

Once the ceremony takes place, the signed license must go back to the Pinellas Clerk within 10 days. The officiant handles this. The clerk records the license and forwards a copy to the Florida Department of Health. Under Florida Statute 741.041, the license expires after 60 days if no ceremony takes place. Under Florida Statute 741.07, ordained ministers, judges, clerks, and notaries can all officiate a wedding in St. Petersburg.

Note: The Pinellas County Clerk may also perform civil ceremonies for a fee of $30.

Nearby Florida Cities

These nearby cities also have marriage license information available. A Florida marriage license works in any county across the state.

Pinellas County Marriage License Records

St. Petersburg is in Pinellas County. All marriage license filings go through the Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court in Clearwater. For the full county page with more details, visit below.

View Pinellas County Marriage License Records